I love the beautiful symbolism in these familiar lines...
Raise, raise the song on high
The virgin sings her lullaby
...in which the image of Mary singing a lullaby represents the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. Did Mary really sing to the Christ Child? Well, we don't know, though being a mother myself, I rather assume she did. But the lullaby is a symbol for something greater. Likewise, in my 1999 Christmas card carol I have attempted to use Mary's lullaby as a symbol for the coming of Christ as the Babe of Bethlehem, who would indeed "comfort all the world."
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Scores
Medium Voice Solo: PDF / .pc
Low Voice Solo: PDF / .pc
SSA: PDF / .pc |
Recordings
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Lyrics
Darkness fell o'er Bethlehem
at last
And hastened weary travelers to their rest
The empty streets all silent,
All silent was the night
All silent 'neath the star
of stars aglow with heaven's light
Then Mary sang her lullaby of love
And cradled in her arms the Holy Child
In that poor and lowly place
Hallowed by his grace
'twas a lullaby to comfort all the world
Darkness fell o'er shepherds in the fields
Till heaven's joyful tidings were revealed
The angels' song of glory
Re-echoed o'er the plains
While in a stable, soft and low, a sweeter song remained
For Mary sang her lullaby of love
And cradled in her arms the Holy Child
In that poor and lowly place
Hallowed by his grace
'twas a lullaby to comfort all the world
When darkness falls and night besets my soul
Her gentle song still sings of brighter hope
Above the voice of sorrow
Beyond all bitter tears
Echoes of that lullaby linger through the years
When Mary sang her lullaby of love
And cradled in her arms the Holy Child
In that poor and lowly place
Hallowed by his grace
'twas a lullaby to comfort all the world
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